For example, you can see in Google Maps which locations are wheelchair accessible

Are you traveling with someone in a wheelchair or do you have a physical challenge yourself that would benefit you if a place you visit is wheelchair accessible? Google Maps can help you. Since 2018, Google Maps has provided information about which locations (attractions, but also toilets) are wheelchair accessible. Here’s everything you need to know about this handy feature.

Wheelchair accessibility on Google Maps

It’s not that cool, but if you’re not in a wheelchair yourself, then a mistake is sometimes in a small corner. Then you enthusiastically book a workshop singing tearjerkers: it turns out you have to climb two flights of stairs. It’s well-intentioned, but it’s simply not such a warm welcome for someone who has difficulty walking or is simply unable to walk. Just taking a look at Google Maps can help you and that person immensely. Fortunately, you don’t have to make much effort for this:

1. Open Google Maps
2. Go to your profile (the bubble with your initials or your photo)
3. Go to Settings’
4. Go to the ‘Accessibility settings’
5. Switch the information for wheelchair users
6. Then when you look up a location you will see a small wheelchair icon if it is a place that people in wheelchairs can visit without any problems

It is a pity that Google has not enabled it by default, because it can make companies – and individuals – more aware of accessibility. Moreover, it is only a small icon: it does not disturb. If you then tap on the ‘more information’ at a location, you can see specifically what is wheelchair accessible: the toilet, the parking space and the entrance, for example. Very practical.

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Missing options for the blind

Tipster Katty (thank you!) Still lacks information for the blind: Maps is currently mainly more accessible to a certain group of people. It would be great if more information was added, so that people with a visual impairment can also find their way a little better in our big world full of fun attractions and great restaurants.

Here too, this would not only be pleasant for blind people, but also for people who have blind people in their group of friends or among their colleagues. In addition, it can raise awareness among companies. You can often do something in a very simple way to make it easier for people with a physical challenge to visit.

Did you know this feature existed? Do you use it? Let us know in the comments to this article.

Image source: RomainVirtuel